Media startup founder focuses on what collegiate fans want
From its beginning in his brother's basement in Lubbock to its new home on the second floor at the Innovation Hub, Marcus Pauda's multi-platform media company, Campus Live, is moving up in the world. "I love saying that because it's so cliché, you know like most startups are in a garage or something like that," he says. The company is also moving further out into the collegiate media world. It started in 2017 with Campus Live-Texas Tech and added Campus Live-TCU in 2018. "I don't know what the next school is going to be, but we'll see what our future holds," Pauda says.
Pauda credits his background in sports marketing as the spark that ignited his entrepreneurial spirit. "College fan bases are very passionate. I felt there was a need for a trusted nationally relevant collegiate media company that truly informs fans of everything that's happening at their school and across the board- from sports to alumni, to Greek life, and things going on in the community. We do that." Campus Live keeps its own fan base covered and engaged in plenty of ways. It produces a print and digital magazine, a podcast, a live sports show, and other events out in the community, and "Campus Live TV" video segments posted on all its digital and social media platforms.
Many of those videos have a background familiar to those who've been to The Hub. Use of the facility's state-of-the-art recording studio is part of Campus Live's tenant agreement. Pauda says that's one of many ways the Hub has given him and his company a boost. "It's a real culture here of thriving and grinding and innovation. Being immersed in that I think helps me excel at hustle- takes it to a different level. Not to mention guidance we get from the leadership at The Hub. Then there are all the other resources here, like just being among all the CEOs that you see walking around this building sharing ideas, friendships, tips and tricks. It really is an innovative hub of people who are proud of Texas Tech and proud to go on and change their industry in whatever creative unique way they can."
In mid-July, "Campus Live TV" will start a monthly series featuring each of the other businesses that are part of the Innovation Hub community, including participants in the 2019-2020 Texas Tech Accelerator Program. Pauda says, "Startup companies have some of the best stories EVER! We'll learn how they started, where they are, and where they're headed. It's another part of our agreement with The Hub, but it's also a true passion of mine. Hey, we're a startup ourselves! I have this passion for people who have the guts to go out there and start their own company. It's exactly the kind of content we want on Campus Live while featuring this great university."
You can follow Campus Live on any social media platform using the same handle across the board: @campuslivettu.